Ethiopia (Bahir Dar University) IoTEX concludes second international conference
BDU:The University’s Institute of Technology for Textile, Garment and Fashion Design(IoTEXT) has recently conducted the second international conference on”Cotton,Textile and Apparel Value Chain in Africa.” According to BDU’s Administration Board Chairperson and IoT/IoTEX Supervisory Board Chairperson Alemnew Mekonnen, his government has been implementing Growth and Transformation Plan in an effort to bring enormous change at country level. He also said that Ethiopia has huge growth potential in the sector of Textile and Garment and its targeting to make huge gains from the sector in the era of Growth and Transformation. “Cotton, Textile and Apparel Value Chain efforts cannot be successful without the involvement of Universities and research institutions.” While welcoming guests at the conference, IoTEX Deputy Scientific Director Assistant Professor Addisu Ferede explained that the conference would enable participants to share experiences and knowledge and emulate best practices in an effort to make the African Textile and Garment sector competitive at international markets. “The conference would contribute significantly for the development of textile and garment sector of Africa,” said Addisu. In his address to participants, BDU’s President Dr.Baylie Damtie, noted that the conference of such type would add impetus towards making the University one of the top ten universities of Africa in 2025. “The institute would help the nation bring the much needed foreign currency by supporting the industry through training, consultancy, research and production of labour force, “expounded Dr.Baylie. Speaking at the conference, Ethiopian Public and Private Enterprises Supervisory Agency Beyene Gebremeskel underlined the importance of utilizing abundant resource to develop the textile and garment sector in Africa. During the two-day conference, Students and Staff of the institute exhibited outfits designed and manufactured by themselves at the conference and also demonstrated fashion show to participants. The Conference was given a massive boost by the presence of BDU’s Administrative Board Chairperson and IOTEX/IOT Supervisory Board Chairperson Alemnew Mekonnen, Ethiopian Privatization and Public Enterprises Supervisory Agency Director General Beyene Gebremeskel, Industry Leaders, Academicians, Researchers and Government and Non government representatives.